Smart Tank Plus 551 prints only half lines in blank ink (color works fine)

[printfailure100]

Ran out of black ink, replaced it, and now printer prints like the attached photo. I have done multiple cleanings, multiple alignments (which always fail), multiple web searches for how to fix. Thinking it is an issue with the printhead, I open the printhead door, carriage does not move to center. A message tells me this means the printheads do not need replacing. I now have Extreme Printer Malaise. Have lost two hours of my work day because I need to print a simple document. Infuriating. Please help!

[Raj_05 · Accepted solution]

Hi @printfailure100,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

I'm sorry to hear about the frustration you're experiencing with your printer. It sounds like you've already tried several troubleshooting steps, but let's see if we can figure out a solution together.

Here are a few more steps you can try:

• Power Cycle: Turn off the printer, unplug it from the power source, wait for a few minutes, then plug it back in and turn it on again. Sometimes, this simple step can resolve various issues.
• Check Cartridges Installation: Ensure that the black ink cartridge is properly installed. Sometimes, improper installation can cause printing issues. Remove the cartridge, check for any packaging materials or protective covers that need to be removed, and reinsert it firmly.
• Inspect Printhead: Since the carriage isn't moving to the center, it could indicate a problem with the printhead or the carriage mechanism. Carefully examine the printhead area for any obstructions, such as paper jams or debris, and remove them if present.
• Manual Printhead Cleaning: If you suspect that the printhead may be clogged, you can try manually cleaning it. Most printers have instructions for manual printhead cleaning in their user manual. Follow those instructions carefully to avoid damaging the printhead.

Extreme Printer Malaise is indeed infuriating, but hopefully, one of these steps will help resolve the issue and get you back to printing your documents without any further trouble.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Alden4

HP Support 

[printfailure100]

Thanks, Alden4, for your response. Powering on and off did not fix the problem. I cannot clean the printhead or check cartridge installation because the carriage does not move to the center to give me access. It is my understanding that the print carriage will NOT move to the center unless the printer detects some sort of error. So I am at a loss. 

I'd like to mention again that the printer worked completely fine until it ran out of ink. Meantime I had to pay $25 to print out a document at Staples because I can't get this printer to work. 

Despairingly,

B

[printfailure100]

Finally fixed it. Cleaning the printhead cartridge did the trick. But the real trick was getting the carriage to the center of the printer so the cartridge could be removed (it does not do so automatically, unless the printer detects an error, which mine did not, though mine eyes most certainly did): to do so I unplugged then replugged the printer, as it turns on the print carriage moves across the printer, and when it did I unplugged it again, stalling it out mid-glide. Removed the cartridge, removed the crud from the cartridge, and everything works again, but methinks the little unplug trick a bit jenkie for a printer at this price point, n'est pas? 

[Raj_05]

Hi @printfailure100,

Thank you for your response, 

Is there anything else that I can help you with today?
 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Alden4

HP Support